Captive Wildlife Care and Education majors are caretakers of the exotic, the wild and the tamed. They work with individual animals to solve larger problems. They are concerned with species survival and advocating for animal welfare. They use knowledge of science and society to bridge the gap between people and wildlife.

Captive Wildlife Care and Education majors care about creating connections between people and animals and fostering respect for the nature of each. They want to share what they know about animals with the public. They want to help captive animals be ambassadors for their species. They advocate for humane and healthy treatment of captive animals and believe in an animal’s ability to teach us simply by being allowed to be its natural self.


Is this you?
Have you always loved animals? Are you concerned with the preservation of endangered species? Do you prefer watching Animal Planet over American Idol? Are you willing to scoop a lot of poop? Do you believe each animal matters and that educating the public about animal behavior, biology and care is a great way to spend your time?

If yes, a Captive Wildlife Care and Education major is for you.


What you’ll study
In addition to core biology and wildlife courses, you studies will also include:

• Animal Training
• Animal Health
• Enrichment and Exhibition Design
• Interpretative Methods

Complete Program Requirements

What you’ll do
Your projects may include:

Where your major can take you
Captive Wildlife Care and Education graduates typically go on to become:

Animal Educators
Animal Keepers
Veterinary Technicians
Wildlife Specialists
Wildlife Biologists
Zookeepers

Explore a Career in Captive Wildlife Care and Education